The Color of Power: Racial Coalitions and Political Power in Oakland

Acknowledgments

This book is the result of so many discussions, encounters, interviews, and field trips conducted over more than fifteen years that it would be impossible to mention all the people in Oakland who generously contributed their time, thoughts, advice or documentation to help me. I would like to thank all of them warmly. I would like to express my gratitude specifically to three wonderful professors who along these years have greatly contributed to shape me intellectually and provided me with constant encouragements and indefectible support : Béatrice Giblin introduced me to geopolitics and has accompanied me through my career from its earliest stages; Bruce E. Cain opened his archives and research center to me, shared his insights on my research, and instilled in me tremendous intellectual generosity; Denis Lacorne walked me through the literature on multiculturalism and constantly challenged me with highly stimulating discussions and ideas. These three professors are true role models and inspired me to give my students and colleagues as much support, strength, and intellectual generosity as I have received. I am also very grateful to Professor Yves Lacoste, who founded the French school of geopolitics and took me into the editorial board of Hérodote, the leading French journal of geopolitics, when I was still a graduate student. City Attorney John Russo gave me countless interviews and insights on the city throughout the many years of my research trip. Steve Lavoie, librarian, used to mail me newspaper and other clippings from overseas publications before the age of the Internet. Jack Citrin and the whole team at the Institute of Governmental Studies at the University of California (Berkeley) have been tremendously helpful and supportive over the years. Finally, I would like to warmly thank the people who encouraged me to publish my work: François Weil, who edited the French version and definitely Acknowledgments helped me make it a better book; my French publisher, Belin, which generously granted me the copyright of the book for its publication in English; the Georges Lurcy Charitable and Educational Trust, for the grant that allowed me to get the book translated into English; Raphael J. Sonenshein, who agreed to review the English version; Richard Holway and the team of the University of Virginia Press, who edited this book. And I address my warmest thanks to George Holoch for writing such a nice and faithful translation. There are no words to express how much I owe my family, particularly my husband, Eric, for his loving support over these past twenty years and my children , Jérémy, Arthur, and Clara, who have spent many summers in Oakland. xiv Acknowledgments The Color of Power ...